Baitcasting reel

ABSTRACT

A baitcasting reel includes right and left cases constituting a reel body, and a level wind mechanism and a spool disposed between the right and left cases. A portion of the right case adjacent the spool, the left case and components interconnecting the two cases are formed of a single material. The right and left cases define walls opposed to the spool for supporting the level wind mechanism. The left case defines an interior space larger than a spool inserting opening formed in the wall of the left case.

This application is a continuation, of application Ser. No. 07/739,491,filed Aug. 2, 1991, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to baitcasting reels and a method ofmanufacturing the same. More particularly, the invention relates to abaitcasting reel having a level wind mechanism and a spool arrangedbetween right and left cases forming a reel body, and to a method ofmanufacturing such reels.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, a relatively large reel designed for use in trolling orthe like and having no level wind mechanism has part of one of thecases, the other case, and a thumb rest interconnecting the two cases,all formed into an integral unit of a single material such as analuminum alloy to secure increased strength.

In the case of a relatively small reel having a level wind mechanism,such as a baitcasting reel with which casting and reeling are repeatedfrequently, it is desirable to employ a strong structure of a singlematerial as noted above to withstand external forces.

A reel body formed of a single material needs to define a larger spaceinside the reel body than an opening through which the spool is insertedin position, in order to reduce the weight of the other case noted aboveand to secure an interior space for accommodating other components.

Such a space may be formed by sand mold casting or lost wax casting.However, this type of casting involves a large number of manufacturingsteps to the detriment of improvement of working efficiency. It is alsoimpossible to secure high precision with respect to thickness of thinwall portions, leaving room for improvement from the point of view oflightness of the reel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved baitcastingreel having a reel body formed of a single material as noted above tosecure excellent strength, a space for accommodating components, andlightness of the reel.

The above object is fulfilled, according to the present invention, by abaitcasting reel comprising first and second cases constituting a reelbody, and a level wind mechanism and a spool disposed between the firstand second cases, wherein a portion adjacent the spool of one of thefirst and second cases, the other case and components interconnectingthe cases are formed of a single material, the first and second casesdefining walls opposed to the spool for supporting the level windmechanism, the other case defining an interior space larger than a spoolinserting opening formed in the wall of the other case.

In another aspect, of the present invention, a method of manufacturing abaitcasting reel comprising the steps of forming a portion adjacent aspool of one of right and left cases constituting a reel body, the othercase and components interconnecting the right and left cases of a singlematerial, forming walls in positions of the cases opposed to the spoolfor supporting a level wind mechanism, and forming in the other case aninterior space larger than a spool inserting opening formed in the wallof the other case.

The present invention provides the following functions and effects.

The above reel may be formed by die casting with a relatively highefficiency as shown in FIG. 10. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 11, acutting operation may be carried out with a tool inserted through aspool introducing opening 1H. The left case 1 may be formed to have arelatively small wall thickness which is maintained with high precision.

Thus, according to the present invention, the case 1 may be shaped tohave a relatively small wall thickness as desired, though the reel bodyis formed of a single material and walls 1S and 2S are formed forsupporting the level wind mechanism extending therebetween.

An improved, lightweight baitcasting reel is provided which hasincreased strength secured by forming the reel body with a singlematerial, and which includes a component accommodating space formed inan effective way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings show baitcasting reels and a method of manufacturing thereels according to the present invention, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view in cross section of a reel,

FIG. 2 is a side view of a clutch operating system,

FIG. 3 is a side view in vertical section of the reel,

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a brake control system,

FIG. 5 is a side view of a brake plate,

FIG. 6 is a side view of a transmission system for driving a level windmechanism,

FIG. 7 is a side view of a clicking sound producing system,

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an integral unit,

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the reel,

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the integral unit after a die castingprocess,

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the integral unit after a cuttingprocess,

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a reel in another embodiment of theinvention,

FIG. 13 is a side view of a support element and adjacent components,

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an annular flange memberprior to assembly to a reel body of a reel in a further embodiment,

FIG. 15 is a plan view in cross section of the reel of FIG. 14,

FIG. 16 is a side view showing a transmission system for a level windmechanism in the reel of FIG. 14,

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a reel body in a furtherembodiment,

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a reel body in a stillfurther embodiment,

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 18,

FIG. 20 is a side view in vertical section of a right case of the reelof FIG. 18,

FIG. 21 is a front view of a reel in a further embodiment, and

FIGS. 22 and 23 are a sectional view and a side view showing atransmission system for a level wind mechanism in a further embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Baitcasting reels and a method of manufacturing these reels according tothe present invention will be described in detail with reference to thedrawings.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 9, a baitcasting reel comprises a reel bodyhaving first and second cases, such as a left case 1 and a right case 2.The reel body has a level wind mechanism R mounted in a front positionthereof and including a screw shaft 3, a guide rod 4 and a line guideFurther, the reel body has a spool 6 mounted centrally thereof and aclutch controller 7 mounted in a rear position. The right case 2supports a handle 8, a drag controller 9, a cast controller 10 and abrake controller 11.

In this reel, parts of the left case 1 and right case 2, and a thumbrest 12 and a pair of lower frame members 13 interconnecting the twocases are formed into an integral unit A by aluminum die casting. Toform the reel body, a lid B acting as part of the right case 2 isattached to the integral unit A. The reel body has a circularconfiguration in side view. The axis Q of the spool 6 is offset apredetermined amount upward from the center P of the circularconfiguration. The screw shaft 3 is disposed on a horizontal plane Llevel with the center P.

A mounting foot 14 is disposed between the pair of lower frames 13. Thefoot 14 has a vertical distance H not exceeding 40 mm from the center P,with the reel body having an outside diameter T within a range of 45 to70 mm.

As shown in FIG. 10, the integral unit A is formed by die casting.Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the left case 1 has a, component mountingspace S which is formed by boring with a cutting tool 15 insertedthrough spool inserting openings 1H and 2H.

As shown in FIG. 10, a die N for forming the openings 1H and 2H hasoutside walls of a diameter D1 and a slightly larger diameter D2 so thatthe opening 2H is correspondingly larger than the opening 1H. Since theopenings 1H and 2H are cut in an equal amount, the reel in the assembledstate has the opening 2H slightly larger than the opening 1H.

To save as much time and trouble as possible in carrying out the boringprocess, second wall 1C of the outer wall is formed flat with noprojection. This construction is preferable since a cutting operationmay be carried out with less trouble than an operation for forming acomponent mounting projection, and since the case 1 has a reducedweight.

A bearing receiving recess 1B has a depth about 1/4 to 3/4 of thethickness of the bearing. The case 1 is cut such that an outside surfaceand an inside surface define substantially concentric circles and definea relatively small wall thickness in a sectional view seen in thedirection along the axis Q of the spool 6. Further, inward surfaces(opposed to the spool) of walls 1S and 2S between which the level windmechanism R is mounted, as well as inside peripheral surfaces of theopenings 1H and 2H, are finished by cutting also.

Outside surfaces of the integral unit A and lid B are finished to formno difference in level, and treated with a bright alumite.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the handle 8 and drag controller 9 aremounted on a handle shaft 16 extending from the right case 2. The handleshaft supports a drag mechanism D and a ratchet wheel 17 mounted on aninward end portion thereof. A spool shaft 18 rotatable with the spool 6supports a clutch sleeve 19 slidably mounted thereon and a pin 20 fixedto the spool shaft 18 to be engageable with the clutch sleeve 19. Theclutch sleeve 19 and pin 20 constitute a clutch mechanism C. The clutchsleeve 19 has an input gear 19A meshed with an output gear 21 of thedrag mechanism D, whereby torque from the handle 8 is transmitted to thespool 6 through the drag mechanism D and clutch mechanism C.

The spool shaft 18 is supported at opposite ends thereof by bearings 22.The cast controller 10 is screwed to the right case 2 for adjusting africtional force applied to the righthand end of the spool shaft 18. Asshown in FIG. 2, the ratchet wheel 17 has teeth 17A engageable with apawl 24 pivotable on an axis 23 to prevent backward turning of thehandle 8.

As shown in FIG. 2, the clutch sleeve 19 is engaged with a shifter 26slidably supported on a pair of support shafts 25. A rotary cam 27 isrotatably mounted coaxially with the axis Q of the spool 6. This rotarycam 27 defines a pair of cam surfaces 27A for sliding the shifter 26.The rotary cam 27 has an engaging pin 27B engaged with a link element 28operable through contact with a control pin 7A of the clutch controller7.

Compression springs 29 are mounted on the support shafts 25 to urge theshifter 26 and clutch mechanism C to a clutch engaging position. Atoggle spring 30 acts on the rotary cam 27 to maintain the rotary cam 27in a position to engage or a position to disengage the clutch mechanismC. A further toggle spring 31 acts on a return arm 32 to switch the arm32 to a position in which an end thereof interfere with the ratchetwheel 17 when the clutch mechanism C is set to the disengaged position.When disengaging the clutch mechanism C, the clutch controller 7 isdepressed to place the link element 28 into contact with a guide 33.Then the link element 28 moves describing an arcuate locus while incontact with the guide 33, to rotate the rotary cam 27. As a result, theclutch mechanism C is disengaged through pressure contact with the camsurfaces 27A. When engaging the clutch mechanism C, the handle 8 isturned in a direction to take up the fishing line. This causes a tooth17A of the ratchet wheel 17 to push the return arm 32, whereby therotary cam 27 is returned. Consequently, the shifter 26 moves under theurging force of compression springs 29 to the position to engage theclutch mechanism C.

As shown in FIG. 9, the clutch controller 7 is supported to be slidableonly relative to the wall 2S of the right case 2. The control pin 7Aextends through an arcuate guide bore 2A so that the clutch controller 7describes an arcuate locus about the center P of the reel body in sideview. The clutch controller 7 defines an arcuate perforation 7B toreceive a connecting frame 34.

It is necessary, when assembling the reel, to insert the control pin 7Ainto the guide bore 2A in such a way that the pin 7A is correctly placedabove an engaging portion 28A of the link element 28. To facilitate thisoperation, the link element 28 includes a restricting projection 28Bformed at a lower end thereof to stop insertion of the pin 7A to aposition below the link element 28.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the right case 2 has a magnet type brakemechanism mounted therein, whose braking force is adjustable by thebrake controller 11. The brake mechanism includes a plate 36 disposedadjacent a side face of the spool 6 and having a plurality of magnets35, a slide element 37 for supporting the plate 36 to be movable towardand away from the spool 6, a cam 39 connected to the brake controller 11through a control shaft 38 for contacting a contact portion 37A of theslide element 37 to determine a position of the slide element 37 and acompression spring 40 for urging the slide element 37 away from thespool 6. A ball type detent mechanism is provided between the brakecontroller 11 and a support 41 secured to the reel body. This detentmechanism includes a compression spring 42, a ball 43 urged by thespring 42, and a plurality of bores 44A formed in a disk 44 rotatablewith the brake controller 11. The ball 43 is selectively engageable withthe bores 44A to maintain the brake controller 11 in a control position.

With this brake mechanism, the closer the magnets 35 are to the sideface of the spool 6, the greater eddy currents are generated at acasting time in the spool 6 formed of an aluminum alloy to produce thegreater braking force.

The right case 2 may be opened by removing screws 45 and lid B.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, the spool shaft 18 carries, fixed to aleft end region thereof extending into the left case 1, an elementhaving a right gear 46 for producing a clicking sound and a second gear47 for transmitting drive to the level wind mechanism R. A clickingpiece 51 is disposed adjacent the first gear 46, which is urged by aring spring 48 defining a slit and is movable by a control knob 49 and acontrol shaft 50 into and out of engagement with the first gear 46,Further, a transmission system is provided which includes first andsecond intermediate gears 52a and 52b for transmitting the drive fromthe second gear 47 to an input gear 3A mounted on the screw shaft 3. Thetransmission system and clicking system are mounted in the left case 1and supported by two plates 53 and 54. respectively.

the outward plate is called herein a first plate 53 and the inward platea second plate 54. The first plate 53 is fixed to the outer wall by apair of screws 55 acting also as retainers for the bearing 22 supportingthe spool shaft 18. The second plate 54 is fixed to projections of thefirst plate 53 by a pair of screws 55. The control shaft 50 extendsthrough slots 53B and 54B defined in the first and second plates 53 and54, respectively. The first and second intermediate gears 51a and 52bare supported on shafts 56 sandwiched between the first and secondplates 53 and 54. The ring spring 48 is fixed to the second plate 54through a bracket 57 by a pair of screws 55.

To facilitate assembly of the intermediate gears 52a and 52b the pair ofshafts 56 are disposed inside the opening 1H of the left case 1 as seenin the direction along the axis of the spool shaft 18.

As another embodiment, the level wind mechanism R may be constructed asfollows.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, an output gear 66 is mounted on the leftend of the spool shaft 18 extending into the left case 1 fortransmitting the torque of the spool 6 to the level wind mechanism R. Onthe other hand, an input gear 67 is mounted on a left end of the screwshaft 3 of the level wind mechanism R. The left case 1 houses anintermediate gear 68 (an example of transmission mechanism) fortransmitting drive from the output gear 66 to the input gear 67.

This intermediate gear 68 is attached to a plate-like support 69 througha shaft 70. In this reel, the support 69 carrying the intermediate gear68 is inserted into the interior space through the opening 1H formed inthe wall 1S of the left case 1 and fixed in position by screws 71.

The support 69 defines a bore 69A for receiving a pin 72 projecting froman inside wall of the left case 1, thereby determining a mountingposture of the support 69.

The left end of the screw shaft 3 is supported by the left case 1through a bush 73 having a larger diameter than the input gear 67, sothat the screw shaft 3 already carrying the input gear 67 may beassembled to the left case 1. An abutment element 74 is disposedadjacent the other end of the screw shaft 3 to determine position of thescrew shaft 3.

This construction allows the transmission system to be provided withease and without the necessity to form a special opening where the case1 defines only the opening 1H.

Thus, an improved baitcasting reel is constructed in which thetransmission system for transmitting drive from the spool to the levelwind mechanism may be formed with little trouble while increasedstrength is secured with the integral formation of the reel body.

In this embodiment, the output gear 66, intermediate gear 68 and inputgear 67 have their respective axes juxtaposed on a straight line. Thisarrangement is effective to check an increase in transmission resistanceeven when the support 69 should wobble with tile drive transmitted fromthe output gear 66.

The present invention may be embodied in various other constructionssuch as including a shaft type transmission mechanism or a transmissionmechanism having an increased number of gears, or including a differenttype of support.

A further embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14through 17.

A reel in this embodiment includes an annular flange member E withflanges disposed adjacent outer peripheries of side walls defining aline accommodating section 6A of the spool 6. An opening 65a is definedin a side face of a connector 65A of a center frame 65 acting also as athumb rest for introducing the annular flange member E into the reelbody. Further, mounting seats a are formed for positionally setting theannular flange member E in the reel body.

The annular flange member E formed separately from the reel body,compared with an integral formation thereof, allows use of a simple diefor forming the flange member E or dispenses with a complicated cuttingprocess such as boring when the flange member E is cut. The mountingseats defined on the reel body secure a positioning precision comparableto the case of forming annular flanges integral with the reel body. Theyalso allow a relatively easy position setting of the bearing support andannular flange member whose positional relationship to the spoolrequires a strict control. Thus, the above construction convenientlyrealizes both improved manufacturing efficiency and easy positionsetting; the former achieved by forming the annular flange member as aseparate component, and the latter by providing the mounting seats tofacilitate the positional control comparable to the case of integralformation.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the annular flange member E mounted in thereel body includes annular projections b disposed adjacent the outerperipheries of the side walls defining the line accommodating section 6Aof the spool 6, and two lower frame members 13 interconnecting the rightand left annular projections b. This annular flange member E also isformed by die casting. The mounting foot may be secured to the lowerframe members 13 by caulking instead of using screws.

As shown in FIG. 16, the axes of first and second intermediate gears 52aand 52b are disposed inside an opening defined by the annularprojections b in side view. Thus, the annular flange member E may beassembled to the reel body right, which is followed by insertion of theaxes of the right and second intermediate gears 52a and 52b through theopening of one annular projection b. This provides increased freedom forassembly work.

A manufacturing process according to the present invention will bedescribed next.

(a) The left case 1 and center frame 65 are formed integrally of analuminum material by die casting. The annular flange member E also isformed likewise.

(b) The reel body is finished by cutting. The surfaces treated with thecutting finish are the outer peripheries of the reel body, the mountingseats a defined in the inner peripheries of the reel body for contactingthe annular flange member E, and the bearing support 1A for receivingthe bearing 22 supporting the spool shaft 18. As a result of thisfinish, outer peripheral surfaces of the thumb rest 12, left side case 1and connector 65A have smoothly continuing surfaces to exhibit anenhanced design effect and to give a fitting feel to the grip. The outerperipheral surfaces also continue, without a difference in level, to theright case 2 attached to the reel body.

(c) Next, the annular flange member E is inserted

into the reel body through the opening 65a formed in the connector 65Aof the reel body. The annular flange member E is then set in position onthe mounting seats a, and secured to the reel body with screws, forexample.

After a cutting finish, an alumite treatment is carried out to addbrightness to the reel.

The above manufacturing process may be modified as follows:

(1) Instead of die casting, the reel body and annular flange member Emay be formed by forging followed by cutting. Thus, the manufacturingmethod, material and shapes may be selected to suit specifications.

(2) The reel body may be formed of the right case 2 and center frame 65.

(3) The reel body may be formed in a different way as shown in FIG. 17.In this example, the second case 1 and the connector 65A to the rightcase 2 are formed by die casting to be integral with the thumb rest 12and lower frame members 13, and left and right annular flanges E' and E"are formed independently of this integral die cast unit for fitting onmounting seats a. With the integral formation, the thumb rest 12 andlower frame members 13 may be arranged circumferentially equidistantly.This construction has the advantage of having the left case 1 and centerframe 65 formed without distortion.

FIGS. 18 through 20 show a further embodiment of the present invention.The reel body illustrated therein includes a left case 1 having abearing support 1A for the spool 6, a right case 2 opposed to the leftframe 1, and a center frame 65. The center frame 65 includes a connectorportion 65a connected to the right case 2, and annular flanges bdisposed adjacent outer peripheries of side walls 6a defining a lineaccommodating section 6A of the spool 6 and having an inside openingdiameter y smaller than an inside diameter Y of an interior space S ofthe left case 1. The center frame 65 is welded through welding surfacesa' to the left case 1 which is formed by casting. That is, the left case1 is independently formed by casting, and the center frame 65 is rigidlywelded to the cast left case 1.

In this construction, the left case 1 may have the interior space Shaving the inside diameter Y greater than the opening diameter y of theannular flanges b. Consequently, the integral formation by weldingassures solidity while shortening the manufacturing process. Thisconstruction provides other advantages of achieving lightness andreducing restrictions regarding arrangement of components, for example.

As shown in FIG. 20, the link element 28 in this embodiment includes aprojection 28C above the restricting projection 28B. The control pin 7Ais sandwiched between an upper surface of the restricting projection 28Band the projection 28C disposed above.

As shown in FIG. 21, a cover 61 may be placed on outer surfaces of thecenter frame 65. With this construction, the reel as attached to afishing rod may be placed on the ground with the cover 61 contacting theground allowing the reel itself to be out of contact with the ground.Protection may also be given to the alumite-treated outer surfaces ofthe reel body. The cover 61 may be provided over the entirecircumferences of the right and left cases 1 and 2. Further, the cover61 may be formed of a resin, rubber or any other material.

A process of manufacturing this reel body will be described next.

(1) As shown in FIG. 18, the left case 1 and center frame 65 areseparately formed by die casting. In particular, a sufficient componentaccommodating space is secured by forming the interior space S of theleft case 1 having the inside diameter Y greater than the openingdiameter y of the annular flanges b, as well as reductions in the wallthickness. The annular projections b are disposed adjacent the outerperipheries of the side walls defining the line accommodating section 6Aof the spool 6 to prevent a fishing line as wound from slipping off theline accommodating section 6A.

(2) The separately formed left case 1 and center frame 65 are connectedtogether through the opposed welding surfaces a' by a welding methodsuch as friction welding, arc welding or pressure welding.

(3) A cutting process is carried out for the bearing support 1A forsupporting the spool, inside surfaces of the annular flanges b, andouter surfaces of the integrated reel body to eliminate leveldifferences at joints between the left case 1 and center frame 65.

(4) After the cutting, an alumite treatment is carried out to finish thereel body with brightness. After the cutting, the reel body may besubjected to a painting treatment as well as the alumite treatment toform an integrated outer surface of the reel body without differences inlevel.

This manufacturing process may be modified as follows:

(a) The left case 1 may be formed of magnesium, titanium or other lightmetal instead of aluminum. The left and right cases 1 and 2 serve thepurpose as long as they are formed substantially circular. Their shapemay be varied to suit the way in which these cases 1 and 2 are used.

(b) The reel case may have either of the first and second cases 1 and 2formed integral with the center frame 65.

(c) The center frame 65 may be formed by forging and cutting instead ofcasting.

(d) The casting method is not limited to any specific type, and may be alost wax process or other casting process instead of die casting.

A different transmission system for the level wind mechanism R will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23. A transmission system fortransmitting drive from the handle shaft 16 to the spool 6 includes anoutput gear 21 of the drag mechanism D mounted on tile handle shaft 16and an input gear 19A of the clutch sleeve 19 meshed with the outputgear 21. On the other hand, the handle shaft 16 carries an output gear58 connected through an intermediate gear 60 to an input gear 59 mountedon the screw shaft 3. These components constitute the transmissionsystem for the level wind mechanism R. In this construction, the levelwind mechanism R does not operate with rotation of the spool 6 when thefishing line is unwound with the clutch disengaged, thereby reducing theresistance to the fishing line being unwound to avoid power loss.

Apart from the foregoing embodiments, the present invention may beapplied to a reel with a reel body having a non-circular configurationas seen in a direction along the axis of the spool.

According to the present invention, any types of components may bemounted in the space formed by cutting, such as a centrifugal brake. Theshape of the reel body is variable in many ways.

What is claimed is:
 1. A baitcasting reel comprising:a reel body havingright and left cases, a thumb rest, and at least one lower frame member;and a level wind mechanism and a spool disposed between said first andsecond cases; wherein said spool includes side walls for forming a lineaccommodating section, said side walls having outer peripheral portions;wherein said reel body includes a connector portion, a center frame, andannular flanges disposed adjacent said outer peripheral portions of saidspool; wherein said center frame includes said thumb rest; and whereinsaid first case, said connector portion and said center frame areintegrally formed together, and wherein said annular flanges are formedintegral with said at least one lower frame member, said first casehaving a bearing support for said spool, and said connector portionhaving an opening for receiving said annular flanges and said at leastone lower frame member, said first case and said connector portionincluding mounting seats for positioning said annular flanges.
 2. Abaitcasting reel as claimed in claim 1, wherein said annular flangesinclude annular projections adjacent to said fishing line accommodatingsection.
 3. A baitcasting reel comprising:a reel body having first andsecond cases, a thumb rest, and at least one lower frame member; and alevel wind mechanism and a spool disposed between said first and secondcases; wherein said spool includes side walls for forming a lineaccommodating section, said side walls having outer peripheral portions;wherein said reel body includes a connector portion and annular flanges,with said right case, said connector portion, said thumb test, and saidat least one lower frame member together forming an integral unit, saidfirst case having a bearing support for said spool, wherein said annularflanges have openings disposed adjacent to said outer peripheralportions of said spool, said annular flanges being formed independentlyof said integral unit.
 4. A baitcasting reel comprising:a reel bodyhaving first and second cases, a thumb rest, and at least one lowerframe member; and a level wind mechanism and a spool disposed betweensaid first and second cases; wherein said spool includes side walls forforming a line accommodating section, said side walls having outerperipheral portions; wherein said first case has a bearing support forsaid spool, and wherein said first case defines a substantiallycylindrical interior space and wherein said reel body includes a centerframe including said thumb rest and a connector portion, said centerframe being integrally formed with said connector portion, said reelbody further including annular flanges having openings disposed adjacentto said outer peripheral portions of said spool, each of said annularflanges having an opening diameter smaller than an inner diameter ofsaid interior space of said first case, said center frame and said firstcase defining welding surfaces for integrating said center frame andsaid right case with each other.
 5. A baitcasting reel as claimed inclaim 4, further comprising a cover attached to outer surfaces of saidcenter frame.
 6. A baitcasting reel comprising:a reel body includingfirst and second cases, a thumb rest, and at least one lower framemember; and a level wind mechanism, a spool shaft, and a spool mountedon said spool shaft, said level wind mechanism, spool shaft and spoolbeing disposed between said right and second cases; wherein at least aportion of said first case, at least a portion of said second case, andsaid thumb rest are integrally formed of a single material; wherein saidfirst and second cases are opposed to each other across said spool in adirection extending along said spool shaft, said first and second caseseach including first walls for supporting said level wind mechanism,said first and second cases defining substantially cylindrical interiorspaces with respective inner diameters, and said first wall of saidsecond case including a spool inserting opening having an innerdiameter, with said inner diameter of said interior space of said firstcase being larger than said inner diameter of said spool insertingopening of said second case; and a bearing for supporting said spoolshaft, and wherein said first case has a second wall, said second wallbeing cut to form a flat surface free of projections, said second wallhaving a recess for receiving said bearing.
 7. A baitcasting reel asclaimed in claim 6, further comprising:a mounting foot disposed on saidat least one lower frame member, and wherein said reel body has acircular configuration as viewed along said spool shaft, and whereinsaid reel body has an outside diameter of 45 to 70 mm, and wherein avertical distance between said mounting foot and a center of saidcircular configuration is 40 mm or less.
 8. A baitcasting reel asclaimed in claim 6, further comprising an intermediate gear, whereinsaid second wall includes a support member for supporting saidintermediate gear, wherein said spool shaft includes a first end and anoutput gear fixed to said first end of said spool shaft, wherein saidlevel wind mechanism includes a screw shaft and an input gear mounted onan end of said screw shaft, and wherein said intermediate gear isengaged with said input and output gears for transmitting torque fromsaid output gear to said input gear.